Which witch is which?
A feminist analysis of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld witches
University of HalmstadFaculty of HumanitiesLorraine Andersson2006-06-03Thesis for a Masters of Arts in EnglishSupervisor: Kristina Hildebrand
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Foreword
The researching and writing of this work took place while I was working full time, and sotook time away from my family. I would therefore like to give my great appreciation to myhusband, Hans, and my daughter, Emelie, who were understanding when mummy had to “gowork on the computer”. Many a Pratchett novel was re-read to a background of cartoons,which is perhaps why a couple of cartoon characters made cameo appearances in this essay.Thanks also to my in-laws, Margareta and Arne Andersson, who gave me childfree afternoonswhen I could concentrate.I would also like to thank the head of the English Department at the time, MonicaKarlsson, who allowed me to read the course when it was not officially offered. Thanks alsogo to Timothy Cox for taking time to read this essay and give helpful feedback. Last but inno way least, a huge thank-you to my tutor, Kristina Hildebrand, who would willingly spendhours talking Pratchett.
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Abstract
Terry Pratchett, writer of humorous, satirical fantasy, is very popular in Britain. HisDiscworld series, which encompasses over 30 novels, has witches as protagonists in one of the major sub-series, currently covering eight novels. His first “witch” novel,
Equal Rites
, inwhich he pits organised, misogynist wizards against disorganised witches, led him to beingaccused of feminist writing. This work investigates this claim by first outlining thedevelopment of the historical witch stereotype or discourse and how that relates to themodern, feminist views of witches. Then Pratchett’s treatment of his major witch charactersis examined and analysed in terms of feminist and poststructuralist literary theory. It appearsthat, while giving the impression of supporting feminism and the feminist views of witches,Pratchett’s witches actually reinforce the patriarchal view of women.Keywords: Terry Pratchett, Discworld, witches, speculative fiction, feminism,poststructuralism, discourses.
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